Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Interview with the Author of 'Cat's Curse,' Kelley Heckart

Kelley Heckart is an author of Celtic historical romance/fantasy. Her newest work Cat’s Curse is available from Awe-Struck Publishing.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write something with a vampire and I wanted to do something different so I was thinking of a medieval vampire in Scotland. While I was doing research to find the time period I wanted to set my story, I came across a sixth century Irish warlord name Aedan mac Gabrain. He had an interesting and mysterious life, and possibly fathered a king of the Picts so I decided to make him my hero. Then I searched for a vampire and decided on an ancient Greek vampire, a Lamia. That first book turned into a trilogy mixing history and Celtic mythology. It was the history and mythology of Scotland that inspired me to write this book/trilogy.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I do but I’m not sure if I can describe it because I just write. I don’t really think about it. I do like to write flowing, descriptive sentences. Not sure if that’s a good thing, but it’s probably part of my style. One editor told me that I have an ‘engaging style that draws the reader in.’ I sure hope that’s true. LOL

What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?

Cat’s Curse is the name of my latest book. The title comes from the vengeful goddess in the story named Cat Anna who put a curse on the hero’s clan.

What is Cat’s Curse about?

Cat’s Curse is about two different people that are cursed, and they end of bonding because of this. They have to fight this vengeful goddess while dealing with their own inner demons.

Cardea is cursed to live an eternity as a blood drinker. Aedan mac Gabrain, prince of Dal Riata, trusts no one after suffering a curse that keeps him from touching any females. Can two tortured souls find love while battling a dark goddess determined to destroy them?

What books have most influenced your life most?

There is one book that I read recently that really affected me. It’s called Confessions of a Pagan Nun and it’s the saddest, most beautifully written book I have ever read. The book is based on real letters written in the fifth/sixth century found at the Irish monastery called Kildare, which is dedicated to St. Brigit. The compelling story of this pagan nun revealed how hard life can be, trying to survive and growing old in a harsh world. Very sobering.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I really like Morgan Llywelyn. She writes Irish historical fantasy and that was my first introduction to Celtic mythology.

What books are you reading now?

I am on the seventh book in Jack Whyte’s Camulod Chronicles. He really brings King Arthur’s story to life and his series is probably the most historically accurate.

What are your current projects?

I have three books contracted with Awe-Struck. The second book in the trilogy, Beltaine’s Song, should be out very soon. Next is Night’s Daughter, which is the prequel to another series of mine, but can be read alone. And then Winter’s Requiem, the third book in my trilogy will probably be out next year. I am working on something new, set in a pre-Arthurian setting with a Saxon/Pict princess and Pict druid. They aren’t what they appear to be. I would like to do a series on the Picts because they are so fascinating to me.

Do you see writing as a career?

Do you hear me laughing? At this point, no, I don’t think writing is a career for me, but maybe someday. I also work as an editor and do okay with that so maybe writing and editing could be a good career for me.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I always want to change things in everything I write. If I think about it too much I will drive myself crazy.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I started out as a songwriter/lyricist before deciding to write stories. I wrote my first song lyrics at eleven or twelve so I was young when I started writing. Before that, I was an avid reader beginning at age four, and I always loved the art of storytelling.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The biggest challenge is motivating myself. Writing really is a daunting, time-consuming task. Once I get motivated then I do okay. Motivation for me varies from simply sitting down and writing to more of a nudge in the form of music.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I think every time I finish a writing project, I have learned something new to make the process easier. The more I write, the easier it is to get it polished. For example, this last time I discovered that by reading the manuscript backwards, I was able to catch errors I didn’t notice before.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice to other writers is to write from the heart and to write, write and write. Learn the craft of writing and don’t give up.